A short presentation setting out how to install and configure a WordPress blog, with links to detailed steps

1. How to Set Up a WordPress Blog
on Your Own Domain
Martin Malden
Abledragon Marketing
&
Creating an Awesome Home Business
www.AbledragonMarketing.com

2. Choose a Domain Name
Your domain name is your address on the web
The shorter the name the better – but make sure it’s memorable and
relevant to your business
Do some keyword research to see what people are typing in when
searching for what you provide
Choose a name that contains your primary keyword(s)
The best TLD is .com, but .net is also good
www.AbledragonMarketing.com

3. Choose a Hosting Provider
Don’t go for free hosting..! It’s just not worth it.
Look for providers that offer 1-click script installations
Look for providers that offer lots of space – particularly if you plan to
use images or video
See if they have a service-level commitment: up-time and response-
time levels
Make sure the services they offer for each of their packages are
clearly defined.
Check the WordPress minimum requirements and make sure your
provider meets them
Expect to pay between US$5 – US$15 per month.
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4. How to Install WordPress - Summary
Download the latest version of WordPress
Set up the MySQL data base on your server
Extract the WordPress files from the .zip folder you downloaded
Look for config.php and add your new data base name and
password.
Upload the ‘wordpress’ folder to your server
Go to the link provided by WordPress to initiate the installation.
Detailed WordPress Installation Instructions
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5. Tricking Out WordPress - Plugins
Plugins extend the functionality of WordPress
There are more than 4,000 plugins available!
With the right plugins you can add any functionality you like
But…
Plugins add overhead, & can slow down site load times
Plugins can create security risks
Plugins can clash with each other or with themes
Here’s a list of suggested WordPress plugins
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6. Tricking Out WordPress - Themes
Thousands of themes available – free and paid
Many good free themes, but lots of poorly coded ones
Some free themes known to have contained spam links
Poorly coded themes can lead to clashes with plugins and problems
when WordPress is upgraded
A good premium theme is definitely worth paying for:
– Good coding reduces problems with WordPress upgrades and avoids clashes
with plugins
– Good design results in faster loading and better SEO
– Regular updates keep pace with WordPress developments
Lots of WordPress theme sites here – free and paid
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7. Tricking Out WordPress - Widgets
Widgets are pre-programmed modules that display useful or
relevant information in the sidebars
The text widget is the only one that’s free form – you can add HTML,
scripts or forms to this
Some plugins will make use of widgets & add them to the list
Widgets can slow down load times, particularly where they reference
other sites
How to install and manage widgets
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8. How to Make Your Blog Successful
Choose a subject you know or love
Publish articles on a regular schedule – it doesn’t matter how often,
as long as it’s regular
Quality is more important than quantity: 2 good articles a week is
better than 7 bad ones
Engage with your readers – respond to comments, invite discussion,
be open and friendly
Engage with other bloggers in your niche
Participate in forums but don’t push people to your blog – just
answer questions and offer help
It takes time and effort – like anything worth doing!
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9. And finally…
Enjoy your blogging!
A free, 50-page manual covering all these points in more detail,
including diagrams and screenshots, is available here:
How to install, setup, configure and promote your WordPress blog
Thank you!
www.AbledragonMarketing.com